Video Network Upgrade FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Last Updated: 28 January 00
Contact:
Ronald Olton
Objective:
This page is an effort to keep users informed of the changes involved in upgrading the VCCS compressed video network. It will attempt to provide the most current answers to issues that have been raised by the colleges.
As a living document, it will be updated daily to reflect the current status of specific questions asked by the colleges, and SHOULD BE CHECKED WHENEVER A QUESTION ARISES ABOUT ANY ASPECT OF THE UPGRADE. The answers will be date stamped to ensure that users can determine the latest information. The date stamps of revised items will be shown in red, to indicate that the answers have changed since the last posting of the item. In order to make finding additions and changes easier to find, the document has been reformatted into two sections. Section 1 will contain new questions and question whose answer has changed with the current revision. Section 2 contains questions whose answer has not changed with the current revision.
If you do not find the answer to your question within this document, send an e-mail to rolton@vccs.cc.va.us with your question. It will be addressed as soon as possible, and added to this document.
Project Overview:
VCCS is in the process of upgrading the H.320 compressed video network from one based on dedicated connections to one based on switched connections. This will provide improved reliability, increased performance and greater flexibility for college video conferencing. This may involve any or all of the following:FAQ:
SECTION 1:
Q19. Which sites have converted to version 3 of the Alpha code?
A19. 1/28/00.
SECTION 2:
Q1. How does the upgrade impact my college?
A1. 8/18/99. Review the document "Video Network Upgrade Overview" on the System Office WEB site (www.vccs.edu/its/projects/atmVideoUpgrade.htm). Decide which upgrade option your college wishes to implement. Take the appropriate action, based on the decision.
Also review the document "Compressed Video Network Operation" on the System Office Web site (http://www.vccs.edu/its/projects/CVN%20Network%20Operation.html) for a description of how the new video technology is used.
Q2. When will the new network be implemented?
A2. 8/19/99. The initial set of network hardware is in place. The redundant features will be implemented as soon as the VCC Utility staff can possibly do it.
Q3. Are there any purchasing vehicles in place that the college can use to order the new equipment?
A3. 1/6/00. Yes. There are two existing orders that VCCS colleges are authorized to use to purchase equipment for this upgrade:
Virginia Tech Contract Number: VT-1096-VTEL
To use Option 1 to replace an existing Vtel 227 or 235 codec with a functionally comparable codec specify:
* Plus any other options that the college may want. Although both Ethernet and Token-Ring cards are offered as options, neither card can be used in conjunction with an ATM card. IP access to the codec must be implemented through LANE or MPOA asnd the ATM NIC.
Purchasers of the LC3200-LCa upgrade system are requested to include a statement agreeing to be billed for the $21,000. trade in if the old codec is not returned within 60 days of the installation of the new codec. Please note that this is a change from the 6 month return policy previously in effect. Please include the serial number of the codec you will be returning so that the new codec can be shipped with an RMA packet for the old unit (return shipping labels, etc.).
To use Option 2 to order a Vtel TC1000 Promotion Program System that is fully interoperable with the LC-3200 LCa upgraded codec specify:
* Plus any other options that the college wishes to have. Although both Ethernet and Token-Ring cards are offered as options, neither card can be used in conjunction with an ATM card. IP access to the codec must be implemented through LANE or MPOA asnd the ATM NIC.
To use Option 2 to order any other new Vtel system, contact Vtel to request the exact information you need to order the system and options that you wish to purchase. To ensure full compatibility with the LC-3200 LCa systems, be sure to include any optional features that are not included in the base package of the codec you are purchasing. The minimum requirements for full compatibility with the LC3200-LCa systems are:
First Virtual Corporation and/or Zydacron Equipment:
The ordering mechanism for First Vitrual Corporation
and Zydacron equipment, a DGS contract with BANI, has expired. There is no
known replacement vehicle. Users wishing to purchase these items will have
to competitively bid them through normal college purchasing procedures.
Cisco Equipment:
The ordering mechanism for Cisco equipment is a University of Virginia
contract with TimeBridge Technologies. To order any Cisco equipment on the
University of Virginia contract, contact TimeBridge Technologies directly.
TimeBridge Technologies Contact:
Joanne Biggs
804-353-2800
UVA Contract Number: UVA-BR-0401-021
Cisco ATM-25 PAM (includes cable):
P/N WAI-ATM25-12P, LS-1010 ATM-25 PAM ... $2,345.00
A new 4 port ATM-25 PAM is also available from Cisco. However, it can only be used with a new version of LS-1010 software. The new version of software requires a memory upgrade to the LS-1010 because it will not fit in the original memory. If you wish to order the 4 port PAM, check the amount of memory in your LS-1010 to determine whether or not you also need to purchase additional memory.
ATM-25 Fiber to CAT-5 Converters:
One converter has been identified, but there is no purchasing vehicle
available. Due to the low cost of these devices (<$1,200. per pair)
colleges should be able to deal directly with the supplier or manufacturer,
without formally bidding the devices. This manufacturer also sells a rack
mount version that may be more suitable for campuses with multiple
codecs.
NHC Communications Inc.Some Suppliers:
USA Sales
1-800-361-1965
www.nhc.com
Product: ATM25.6 Fiber Extender
AllTell Supply
6625 The Corners Pkwy.
Norcross, Ga. 30092
Attn: Arlene Mison
770-446-7495
DataLine Inc.
4525 East Honey Grove Rd.
Virginia Beach, Va. 23455
Attn: Julie
757-460-5300
Docutech
Attn: Lou Clifford
215-672-7060
Q4. Do we have to purchase Vtel equipment for Classrooms, Conference Rooms, and/or Desktops?
A4. 5/4/98. No. Colleges may purchase equipment from any manufacturer, as long as it meets the ITU and ATM Forum standards listed in the network design specifications.
Q5. Has any testing been done on the equipment being proposed for the new video model?
A5. 5/4/98. Yes. Virginia Tech has done interoperability testing on the following equipment. Demonstrations of this equipment can be scheduled at Virginia Tech. Please E-mail rolton@vccs.cc.va.us if you would like to arrange a demonstration.Vtel, LC5000
Vtel, TC2000
Vtel, TC1000
PictureTel, H.320 desktop unit
Zydacron, H.320 desktop unit
Q6. Is there any way that we can test equipment from other manufacturers?
A6. 10/22/98. Yes. Virginia Tech has agreed to allow colleges to schedule demonstrations of other manufacturers equipment at the VT Interoperability Lab in Blacksburg, Va. If you would like to arrange a test of some other manufacturers' equipment, please E-mail rolton@vccs.cc.va.us to coordinate the testing.
Q7. The Vtel LC3200 upgrade is designed to replace the MediaMax 227 codecs. Will it also replace my MediaMax 235?
A7. 5/4/98. Yes.
Q8. I have an LC5000 supporting 2 monitors at the back of the room. Will the VC-NIC upgrade continue to support them?
A8. 5/7/98. Yes.
Q9. Will my current GTE maintenance contract cover the installation and maintenance on my LC3200 codec upgrade? Will it cover my current peripheral equipment?
A9. 5/14/99. YES, IF YOU HAVE A GTE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. Your current GTE maintenance covers your entire system (codec, and all peripherals). GTE considers the codec upgrade a "component" upgrade (such as upgrading a monitor), not a "system" upgrade. Under these circumstances, the new codec will be covered as soon as it is "certified" as operating properly. Certification will be done by the VCC Utility staff at the conclusion of successful installation testing.
Problems encountered with the new codec during installation are considered warranty issues between the college (and its authorized installing entity) and Vtel.
Colleges have the following installation options:Use GTE to install the codec. Without a GTE maintenance contract, GTE will install it at a cost of $125. per hour, with a two hour minimum charge. The college will be charged travel time at the same rate. Example: One hour travel time each way, plus 4 hours on-site would be charged as 6 hours ($750.00). Successful testing will result in the VCC Utility "certifying" the codec to GTE so that it is covered under your existing GTE maintenance contract.
Please note that the above information only applies to colleges that have an existing GTE maintenance contract. A college wishing to take advantage of any of this information MUST formalize an agreement with GTE, on a college by college basis. The installation cost is NOT covered under the maintenance contract, it is an offer being made by GTE. As with any purchase colleges wishing to have GTE install the new codec MUST purchase it through normal purchasing channels.
Q10. My college uses ISDN as well as the network for videoconferencing. Is there a way to continue doing this when we migrate to switched video networking?
A10. 11/5/98. Yes. Use the same type of setup now used, i.e. use an A-B switch to select either network access or ISDN access. In this case you would order an upgraded codec WITHOUT an ATM interface (P/N LC3200-LC), and a FVC V-Room switch and cable. The connections are essentially the same, with the FVC V-Room replacing the existing cell multiplexer.
Q11. Does my college have to use GTE for maintenance on its codecs?
A11. 11/5/98. No. Colleges may contract with any Vtel
authorized support organization.
The following lists some of the Vtel authorized organizations doing
business in Virginia:
FreBon International
Contact: David Kelly
703 848 8202
McLean, Va.
Williams Communications
Contact: Bill Garhart
410 309 2888
Columbia, Md.
GTE Customer Networks
Contact: Jim O'Connor
703 502 6820
Herndon, Va.
GTE Telops
Contact: Ed McKay
919 549 0139
North Carolina
Whitlock Group
Contact: Kirk Muffley
910 686-9119
Wilmington, N.C. and Richmond, Va.
Sprint Contact David Baer
(804) 971-2723
Charlottesville, Va.
AEPCO
Contact Rick Coder
703 658 7500 x 326
Alexandria, Va.
Q12. What is the status of SVC based codec testing?
A12. 1/6/00. Several things are being done to address this issue:
1. The VCC Utility has tested another interim software solution provided by FVC.COM. It has been installed on the MCUs, and installation instructions are being prepared for distribution to the colleges.
2. The vendor continues to work on a permanent solution that should be available to the VCCS in the 1Q00 time frame. As soon as this fix is received and tested it will be placed on all of the codecs and MCUs.
Q13.What is the status of Net.Work.Virginia (NWV) testing?
A13. 1/6/00. As the codec software has improved, issues involving the Net.Work.Virginia infrastructure have come to light. Both Net.Work.Virginia and VCC Utility staff continue to work with Bell Atlantic and hardware vendors to identify and resolve issues within Net.Work.Virginia.
Several issues have been identified:
Though these are Net.Work.Virginia issues, they are being worked on simultaneously by the Net.Work.Virginia and VCC Utility staff.
Q14. What is the status of MCU selection and testing?
A14. 1/6/00. Since the MCUs also use FVC.COM ATM NICs, they also need to be updated as new software becomes available. As noted above, this is being done. It is important to note that ALL sites in a multipoint conference must be running the same level of software in order to realize the performance improvements offered by the new software.
Q15. Is there a production implementation plan and schedule?
A15. 1/6/00. The current production implementation plan calls for upgrading the codecs and MCUs, as necessary, to provide the level of service required. Unfortunately, the problem has not lent itself to an easy solution. Therefore, we cannot establish a firm date for completion of the upgrade. As noted above, FVC.COM expects to have a true production release of their software in 1Q00 and VCCS will install it as soon as it becomes available.
Q16. What do I have to do at my college?
A16. 3/3/99. Prepare a site plan that covers every aspect of your new configuration. Order your new equipment (when authorized). Contact the VCC Utility to schedule validation testing and technical support for your installation. Contact the System Office Instructional Technology Group to schedule training on the new codec and conference scheduling system.
Q17. What profile parameters should I use for the new codec?
A17. 9/1/99. Use the default profile shipped with the codec, with one change. In the "DIALING" folder window, if the dialing mode did not default to "direct" change it and save the profile. The best way to do this is to create a new profile, copy the default profile parameters to it and then do the change for the dial mode. This will leave the original default profile intact, in case you need it in the future.
Q18. What profile parameters should I use for the old codec when I want to conference with a new codec?
A18. 9/1/99. The profile for VCCS sites is as follows:
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